Empty Stocking Fund: Family falls on hard times

FORT COLLINS – Rebecca Wilson and her family turned to the Food Bank for Larimer County this fall to help stretch their food budget.

The family of four is living on less money this year as husband, Frank, participates in an electrical apprenticeship. Previously, he worked full time with the Air National Guard security forces.

It’s a short-term financial setback, but his training will ultimately help the family. Her husband’s apprenticeship keeps him busy with work and classes. He also has requirements he has to meet as a member of the Wyoming Air National Guard.

The family started using the food bank in September after $4,000 in repairs for the family’s Jeep maxed out their credit.

Friends and neighbors suggested the family seek help at the food bank. Rebecca Wilson looked into the requirements online and then applied.

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Between September 2008 and September 2009, the food bank saw a 30 percent increase in the number of people it serves, according to Amy Pezzani, food bank executive director. In September 2008, the food bank had 11,572 visits. In September, the number increased to 14,931. Not only is the charity serving more people, those clients are also visiting the food bank more often.

Wilson shops at the food bank once or twice a week, depending on how much fuel the family has used. They set a strict fuel budget per month.

In addition to the help from the food bank, the family gets Women, Infants and Children help for daughter Kaylee, 2. The family also budgets $50 a week for groceries and $20 a week for diapers.

Rebecca Wilson works one night per week at Kohl’s, but can’t spend more time working because she needs to care for Kaylee, who is almost deaf in one ear, and Christopher, 7, who has learning disabilities.